Features

1891
29th New Mexico Legislative Assembly enacts the Public School Law of 1891, creating the territory’s first comprehensive public school system.

Feb. 11, 1893
Public School Law signed by Territorial Gov. L. Branford Prince, creating normal schools in Las Vegas and Silver City.

Oct. 4, 1897
Edgar Lee Hewett hired as the first president of the New Mexico Normal School in Las Vegas (which would later become New Mexico Highlands University); Hewett’s first day on the job was July 1, 1898.

The nickname “Cowboys” was adopted by the New Mexico Normal University faculty athletic committee and student council as the official name of the athletic teams in February 1930.

Before then, the school used the name “Tigers.” Through the efforts of alumnus S. Omar Barker, the name was changed.

Barker, a distinguished Western writer who lived in Las Vegas, asked, “Cannot the University contrive to discover some team name that would have the pungency of local and Southwestern significance, some name that would be unique?

Fifty years from now, Highlands students, faculty and staff will dig up a time capsule set to be buried near the recently completed student center.

The capsule is filled with mementos and memorabilia, everything from photos and videos to a recent Optic and a camera card with photos taken this week. Items from this weekend’s birthday celebration will also be added before it’s buried next week.

Submitted to the Optic
Sept. 27, 2013, marks one year since the dedication of the Wind River Ranch as the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area in Northern New Mexico. Last year former Secretary Salazar, established it as the 560th unit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s refuge system.

Pecos National Historical Park exists in part because of the generosity of the Academy Award-winning actress and her husband E.E. “Buddy” Fogelson. On Sunday, the monument will celebrate Greer Garson’s 109th birthday with a day of activities.

Fort Union National Monument announced its final First Fort and Arsenal Tours of 2013. The final tours for this year will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the monument located near Watrous.

Join a ranger for guided programs at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 2 p.m. Visitors and park staff will meet at the Visitor Center 15 minutes prior to the program time, then caravan out to the First Fort site.

New Mexico Highlands University presents “The Art of Observation” exhibit of paintings by Las Vegas artist Kimberly Reed-Deemer in Burris Hall Gallery, with the opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the gallery.

Burris Hall is at 903 National Ave. The exhibit continues through Oct. 10.

Submitted to the Optic
Santiago Valentin Aragon, a 2013 Robertson High School graduate, as been selected as the recipient of the 32nd annual Michael William Marr Memorial Scholarship. The Marr Scholarship has been awarded annually since the 1981-82 school year to a Robertson High School student athlete who excelled academically and participated in the football program.

By Alison Ladman
The Associated Press
Most people know challah — a Jewish egg bread — as a braided loaf. But truth is, it can take on a variety of shapes. And at Rosh Hashana it often is formed into a spiral, which is meant to symbolize the circle and continuity of the Jewish new year.

By Alison Ladman
The Associated Press
Like many Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashana — the Jewish new year — is rich with delicious, symbolic foods. Rounds of challah bread, for example, signify continuity, while apples and honey represent wishes for a sweet year to come. Of course, just as important is spending time with loved ones.
So we created a dish to satisfy both the traditional food customs and the desire to spend time with family. Baked stuffed apples have the both the honey and the apples for the sweetness, yet take little effort to make.

Submitted to the Optic
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Ryan McGarvey will headline Music on the Rocks, one of New Mexico’s most anticipated live music festivals, this Saturday at Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. Although he’s shared the bill with Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Government Mule, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, he can’t wait to show off his “fiery guitar chops” in his home state.